I have a Whisper 5-15 for about a month and a half. I went to walmart and got some new cartridges just in case. The tank looks pretty clean although some algae is starting to grow by the heater.
2007-03-09 23:17:42 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
I change mine (also a Whisper) about every 4 - 6 weeks, but they can last longer - as long as appreciable water flow is moving through it. Sometimes I 'muck up' the water by moving logs or whatever, so wait a day or two and change it as it will plug up rapidly! The filter and sponge screens house large colonies of useful bacteria, which is helping keep your water clear. So, I usually do not change the filter the same time as I change water - to keep a healthy supply of bacteria in the system. I also add 'Cycle' at each water change to replenish removed bacteria.
2007-03-09 23:24:59 · answer #1 · answered by waynebudd 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This has always been a source of contraversy.
I always say when it is dirty change it. I have always rinsed mine out during water changes and reused them until I felt they were no longer working. Usually a month -two, that depends on a few things.
Like how much are you feeding, ammonia levels etc.
The carbon in the filter really doesn't mean a whole heck of a lot if you are using a dechlor or a good water conditioner for water changes. The carbon is a filter. A good conditioner has already done the work for you. Saying that the carbon is saturated and you need to replace it is a bunch of poo. That is unless your tank is over stocked, and the ammonia levels are spiking. Usually if you are on a regular maintenance schedule, this doesn't happen often. Rinse and reuse for a month.
The filters will pull uneaten foods that have gotten too close to the filter in and filter them out. Rinse them out when you clean the tank.
Algae forming means your tank is healthy. Nothing to worry about.
So to answer your question, if you feel you need to change them after a week, do it, after a month do it. It is all a matter of preference and tank stocking (water quality).
2007-03-10 09:43:46 · answer #2 · answered by danielle Z 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Algea means your tank is cycled. If your packs have carbon in them they are long over due for replacement. Don't replace the foam pads, wash those in tank water only. That is where the good bacteria is growing. Carbon needs to be replaced monthly.
2007-03-10 10:05:50 · answer #3 · answered by Sunday P 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can change the carbon every 2-3 weeks and give the bag a rinse. You don't want to replace it until it is unable to allow water to flow through it.
http://www.aquariumpharm.com/en_us/productCategory.asp?categoryname=Filtration
2007-03-10 12:13:21 · answer #4 · answered by something_fishy 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it will probably tell you the manufactures time when to change the cartridge on the box, but personaly i would clean it once a month with water from a water change. and keep it for almost a year.
2007-03-10 07:27:46 · answer #5 · answered by paul f 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
every mouth
2007-03-10 08:36:09 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋